Issue - meetings

The report of the Strategic Director

Presented by the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder

The Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder presented the report. The Portfolio Holder also commended officers for the work that had gone into report and the success that had come from it.

A Member emphasised that the organisation should endeavour to make sure that businesses in rural areas of the district utilised this funding.

The Portfolio Holder noted that any unspent funds would be returned to central Government, and consequently it was to the organisation’s benefit to make sure that it was all distributed within the district instead.

It was moved by Councillor T Gillard, seconded by Councillor T Saffell and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The views of Community Scrutiny Committee on 13 July 2023 included in the background papers be noted.
2. The £469,090 grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund be accepted.
3. That £117,262 be allocated to the General Fund Revenue Budget in 2023/24 and £351,818 be allocated into the General Fund budget planning process for 2024/25.
4. That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, to review and amend the delivery of the North West Leicestershire Rural Business Grant Fund where required, and to adapt to the changing economic environment and/or local needs.
5. That authority be delegated to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder to submit the formal reporting as required by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Reason for decision: to accept the REPF funding award from Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and approve the spend of the award in line with the award.